Colorado Highway 9 closure north of Alma for bridge construction

Travel Advisory

August 28, 2023 - Southeastern Colorado - Region 2 Bridge Bundle project update

Park County —­­ The Colorado Department of Transportation in collaboration with prime contractor CapitalTezak Joint Venture will implement a seven-day closure with an approved detour beginning 6 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7 for construction of a bridge structure located on CO 9, north of the town of Alma at the base of Hoosier Pass. The purpose of the seven-day full closure is to shorten construction duration, increase crew and motorist safety, and minimize environmental impacts.

The structure located at Mile Point 71.5 between County Road 6 and County Road 4, originally built in 1938, is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. The structure will be replaced with an aluminum box culvert with aluminum headwalls and wingwalls to expedite construction. For the safety of the traveling public this structure requires full replacement.

CO 9 Detour map
Colorado Highway 9 detour route using I-70, CO 91 and US Highway 285.

During the extended closure, all traffic will utilize U.S. 24, CO 91 and I-70. Variable message boards, signs and construction devices will be present alerting motorists of the closure and detour route. The project team has been in touch with various local agencies and organizations to receive approval of this closure. The closure is part of the Region 2 Bridge Bundle Project that began in 2022.

Hours of full closure of CO 9, at the base of Hoosier Pass between County Road 6 and 4

  • The closure will be in place from 6 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 7, and run continuously until 6 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14.
  • All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change.

Traffic Impacts & Detour Route

  • Use US 24, CO 91 and I-70
  • Motorists can expect to add 120 miles and 2 hours and 25 minutes to travel times with the detour.
  • Lane closures and other traffic notices are posted weekly to COtrip.org.
  • Lane closures and shoulder closures are possible before and after the closure.
  • All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change.
  • Motorists are reminded to drive slowly and obey the posted speed limit.

Project Contact Information

Project Overview

Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the country, and with that growth comes strain on aging transportation systems that have significant consequences in the form of growing safety and mobility problems. The purpose of this project is to provide necessary improvements to 17 structures so motorists can be ensured that they are driving on more stable and up to date structures with life spans of 100 years.

The three rural highway corridors where structures are being replaced include:

  • Colorado Highway (CO) 9
  • US Highway 24
  • US Highway 350

Construction completion of the Bridge Bundle $43 million project is slated for late 2024.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!